#Gen AI in Manufacturing

[johnsongray22]

Gen AI Uses in the Manufacturing Sector in 2024

Generative AI is becoming an increasingly important aspect of the manufacturing sector. Check out the blog to learn how gen AI is being used to optimize manufacturing processes.

[dullahandyke]

Whenver I see that post abt a Twitter user completing Keith Haring's unfinished painting with AI and getting replies like 'NO this is BAD ❌🙅‍♂️🔥 the original meaning of the painting wasssss' I'm always a little baffled that rarely do people reblog a version clarifying that the tweet is like. Satire and/or bait

[simulanissolutions]

In the fast-paced realm of technology, Virtual Reality (VR) is on the cusp of redefining the way we interact with the digital world. As we peer into the technological crystal ball to foresee the landscape of 2024, let's explore the anticipated Virtual Reality Trends 2025 and innovations that promise to shape the future of V

[headlinehorizon]

Gen AI and the Future of Manufacturing: Threats and Opportunities

Learn about the rise of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) and its impact on the manufacturing sector. Discover how this technology is revolutionizing automation and raising concerns about job security for both white-collar and blue-collar workers. Find out how AI can address labor shortages while also posing challenges for labor unions.

[mariacallous]

In 2023, the fast-fashion giant Shein was everywhere. Crisscrossing the globe, airplanes ferried small packages of its ultra-cheap clothing from thousands of suppliers to tens of millions of customer mailboxes in 150 countries. Influencers’ “#sheinhaul” videos advertised the company’s trendy styles on social media, garnering billions of views.

At every step, data was created, collected, and analyzed. To manage all this information, the fast fashion industry has begun embracing emerging AI technologies. Shein uses proprietary machine-learning applications — essentially, pattern-identification algorithms — to measure customer preferences in real time and predict demand, which it then services with an ultra-fast supply chain.

As AI makes the business of churning out affordable, on-trend clothing faster than ever, Shein is among the brands under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, too. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

But climate advocates and researchers say the company’s lightning-fast manufacturing practices and online-only business model are inherently emissions-heavy — and that the use of AI software to catalyze these operations could be cranking up its emissions. Those concerns were amplified by Shein’s third annual sustainability report, released late last month, which showed the company nearly doubled its carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023.

“AI enables fast fashion to become the ultra-fast fashion industry, Shein and Temu being the fore-leaders of this,” said Sage Lenier, the executive director of Sustainable and Just Future, a climate nonprofit. “They quite literally could not exist without AI.” (Temu is a rapidly rising ecommerce titan, with a marketplace of goods that rival Shein’s in variety, price, and sales.)

In the 12 years since Shein was founded, it has become known for its uniquely prolific manufacturing, which reportedly generated over $30 billion of revenue for the company in 2023. Although estimates vary, a new Shein design may take as little as 10 days to become a garment, and up to 10,000 items are added to the site each day. The company reportedly offers as many as 600,000 items for sale at any given time with an average price tag of roughly $10. (Shein declined to confirm or deny these reported numbers.) One market analysis found that 44 percent of Gen Zers in the United States buy at least one item from Shein every month.

That scale translates into massive environmental impacts. According to the company’s sustainability report, Shein emitted 16.7 million total metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 — more than what four coal power plants spew out in a year. The company has also come under fire for textile waste, high levels of microplastic pollution, and exploitative labor practices. According to the report, polyester — a synthetic textile known for shedding microplastics into the environment — makes up 76 percent of its total fabrics, and only 6 percent of that polyester is recycled.

And a recent investigation found that factory workers at Shein suppliers regularly work 75-hour weeks, over a year after the company pledged to improve working conditions within its supply chain. Although Shein’s sustainability report indicates that labor conditions are improving, it also shows that in third-party audits of over 3,000 suppliers and subcontractors, 71 percent received a score of C or lower on the company’s grade scale of A to E — mediocre at best.

Machine learning plays an important role in Shein’s business model. Although Peter Pernot-Day, Shein’s head of global strategy and corporate affairs, told Business Insider last August that AI was not central to its operations, he indicated otherwise during a presentation at a retail conference at the beginning of this year.

“We are using machine-learning technologies to accurately predict demand in a way that we think is cutting edge,” he said. Pernot-Day told the audience that all of Shein’s 5,400 suppliers have access to an AI software platform that gives them updates on customer preferences, and they change what they’re producing to match it in real time.

“This means we can produce very few copies of each garment,” he said. “It means we waste very little and have very little inventory waste.” On average, the company says it stocks between 100 to 200 copies of each item — a stark contrast with more conventional fast-fashion brands, which typically produce thousands of each item per season, and try to anticipate trends months in advance. Shein calls its model “on-demand,” while a technology analyst who spoke to Vox in 2021 called it “real-time” retail.

At the conference, Pernot-Day also indicated that the technology helps the company pick up on “micro trends” that customers want to wear. “We can detect that, and we can act on that in a way that I think we’ve really pioneered,” he said. A designer who filed a recent class action lawsuit in a New York District Court alleges that the company’s AI market analysis tools are used in an “industrial-scale scheme of systematic, digital copyright infringement of the work of small designers and artists,” that scrapes designs off the internet and sends them directly to factories for production.

In an emailed statement to Grist, a Shein spokesperson reiterated Peter Pernot-Day’s assertion that technology allows the company to reduce waste and increase efficiency and suggested that the company’s increased emissions in 2023 were attributable to booming business. “We do not see growth as antithetical to sustainability,” the spokesperson said.

An analysis of Shein’s sustainability report by the Business of Fashion, a trade publication, found that last year, the company’s emissions rose at almost double the rate of its revenue — making Shein the highest-emitting company in the fashion industry. By comparison, Zara’s emissions rose half as much as its revenue. For other industry titans, such as H&M and Nike, sales grew while emissions fell from the year before.

Shein’s emissions are especially high because of its reliance on air shipping, said Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. “AI has wide applications in the fashion industry. It’s not necessarily that AI is bad,” Lu said. “The problem is the essence of Shein’s particular business model.”

Other major brands ship items overseas in bulk, prefer ocean shipping for its lower cost, and have suppliers and warehouses in a large number of countries, which cuts down on the distances that items need to travel to consumers.

According to the company’s sustainability report, 38 percent of Shein’s climate footprint comes from transportation between its facilities and to customers, and another 61 percent come from other parts of its supply chain. Although the company is based in Singapore and has suppliers in a handful of countries, the majority of its garments are produced in China and are mailed out by air in individually addressed packages to customers. In July, the company sent about 900,000 of these to the US every day.

Shein’s spokesperson told Grist that the company is developing a decarbonization road map to address the footprint of its supply chain. Recently, the company has increased the amount of inventory it stores in US warehouses, allowing it to offer American customers quicker delivery times, and increased its use of cargo ships, which are more carbon-efficient than cargo planes.

“Controlling the carbon emissions in the fashion industry is a really complex process,” Lu said, adding that many brands use AI to make their operations more efficient. “It really depends on how you use AI.”

There is research that indicates using certain AI technologies could help companies become more sustainable. “It’s the missing piece,” said Shahriar Akter, an associate dean of business and law at the University of Wollongong in Australia. In May, Akter and his colleagues published a study finding that when fast-fashion suppliers used AI data management software to comply with big brands’ sustainability goals, those companies were more profitable and emitted less. A key use of this technology, Atker says, is to closely monitor environmental impacts, such as pollution and emissions. “This kind of tracking was not available before AI-based tools,” he said.

Shein told Grist it does not use machine-learning data management software to track emissions, which is one of the uses of AI included in Akter’s study. But the company’s much-touted usage of machine-learning software to predict demand and reduce waste is another of the uses of AI included in the research.

Regardless, the company has a long way to go before meeting its goals. Grist calculated that the emissions Shein reportedly saved in 2023 — with measures such as providing its suppliers with solar panels and opting for ocean shipping — amounted to about 3 percent of the company’s total carbon emissions for the year.

Lenier, from Sustainable and Just Future, believes there is no ethical use of AI in the fast-fashion industry. She said that the largely unregulated technology allows brands to intensify their harmful impacts on workers and the environment. “The folks who work in fast-fashion factories are now under an incredible amount of pressure to turn out even more, even faster,” she said.

Lenier and Lu both believe that the key to a more sustainable fashion industry is convincing customers to buy less. Lu said if companies use AI to boost their sales without changing their unsustainable practices, their climate footprints will also grow accordingly. “It’s the overall effect of being able to offer more market-popular items and encourage consumers to purchase more than in the past,” he said. “Of course, the overall carbon impact will be higher.”

[andmaybegayer]

I may have a chance to acquire a new laptop for free from work.

My last laptop that I purchased was the immense MSI we've spoken of previously, and it lasted me about ten years (I mean the battery didn't, it was a mobile desktop for the last 5ish years, but still).

Since I'd probably be primarily running some flavor of Linux on it, I'd intended to get a current-gen Ryzen, but your recent posts about the Snapdragon processors have me curious. If you were to get a new computer today, for personal use (probably not gaming, I do all that on my desktop these days), what kind of hardware would you be after?

Snapdragon X really isn't up to real world use on Linux yet, so I'd give it a miss, honestly at the moment running Asahi on a MacBook would be better supported.

Current Ryzen is a great shout, probably one of the mid-spec ones would fit your needs well, like the Ryzen 7 AI 365. I'm not fully up on which manufacturers have models with the new 300 series Ryzen AI processors, I think Asus has some, but you might have to wait a month or so for everyone to roll out their designs. Just watch out, there's been a ton of Ryzen releases so it's easy to mix up the recent but not new 8000 series with the new 300 series, which have pretty sizeable efficiency differences.

With anything modern a consideration is that DDR5 will pretty much always be soldered, so you have to get enough RAM when you buy, but that shouldn't be an issue if your employer is getting it.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Artificial intelligence (AI) is hot right now. Also hot: the data centers that power the technology. And keeping those centers cool requires a tremendous amount of energy. The problem is only going to grow as high-powered AI-based computers and devices become commonplace. That's why University of Missouri researcher Chanwoo Park is devising a new type of cooling system that promises to dramatically reduce energy demands. "Cooling and chip manufacturing go hand-in-hand," said Park, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering in the Mizzou College of Engineering. "Without proper cooling, components overheat and fail. Energy-efficient data centers will be key to the future of AI computing."

Read more.

[drstonetrivia]

Chapter 213 Trivia (Part 1)

I guess things were going too well for too long..?

Gen's drawing of Senku here was probably inspired by very early chapter cover images. I don't know why else he'd be holding an exploding container.

We've now got three interpretations of Whyman: the generic one, Luna's, and now Gen's.

I like how Gen's has arms and legs coming out of the skull!

Finally! The Kingdom of Science can watch Dr. Stone together!

As long as someone animates it…

Kenjiro Takayanagi of Shizuoka University is considered one of the main pioneers of television, succeeding in displaying the character イ (i) on his Braun tube display in Dec 1926. Over the next few years, he improved the image allowing more detailed images such as human faces.

By 1939, Japan's first television station began broadcasting from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). After the war, Takayanagi Sensei's work was used as a foundation for other televisions and related industries around the world.

If everyone thought working on a second cell phone after they'd spent months making one was bad, they're not ready to hear about what they'll need to make for television broadcasts. (Senku also never changes...)

I didn't realize how big their other boat was. I guess things made in the USA really are bigger?

The Perseus not being the biggest ship anymore makes me a little sad :(

SAL 9000 is a reference to HAL 9000, the AI antagonist from Space Odyssey. It stands for "Heuristically programmed ALgorithmic computer", so in this case it might be "Senku programmed" or even "Sai programmed"!

The "NES" (actually the Famicom again, both in the drawing and Sai's comment in the Japanese version) and SAL 9000 don't have the exact same specifications:

SAL 9000 is specialized for math operations and thus has a longer word length (16 bits vs 8) which allows more significant figures in the numbers. They've also got more RAM (SAL has 16 kB while the NES has 2).

The downside is that because they used parametrons, their clock speed (how fast they can do calculations) is slower than if they'd used transistors.

The large amount of ROM they've also got could imply that they have several built-in programs. Xeno's work, perhaps?

CRT screens only reach a maximum diagonal length of around 40 inches (~101 cm), as a larger screen needs a larger tube, and the thickness of the glass increases with size to handle the vacuum without shattering making it very unwieldy with the added weight and thus not worth manufacturing for sale.

Senku's here is obviously much, much bigger. Possibly even world record; the biggest CRT screens made were 61 inches (~152 cm) on the diagonal.

SAL 9000 has both air and water cooling, probably used depending on what's better for individual parts. Normally you only need one or the other.

It'd be good if they could get the carbonated water maker in there and ferment some alcohol faster too using the computer's heat…

SAL 9000 also has 3 phase power like modern power transmission. They're AC power sources, phase shifted by 120° so that at any point in time, their sum is 0. The advantage to this is that you don't need return lines for the current, so you can use half as many cables.

The games shown are inspired by Tetris (featuring Ishigami Village and Roppongi!), Pacman, a combination game of Gyruss and Tempest, then another combination game of Galaga and Asteroids.

The transmission towers can only be headed towards the dam, so we have an approximate direction for where that is! There's a few rivers nearby in modern Tokyo, but over 3,700 years they've probably changed a lot.

(Next part)

[lisakeller22]

Explore the blog to know the benefits of generative AI in the manufacturing sector, also learn about the key challenges manufacturing businesses face and how generative AI helps to solve them.

[johnsongray22]

How can the manufacturing sector leverage generative AI for informed decision-making, enhanced productivity, and improved product quality? Go through the blog to learn about the use cases and benefits of  generative AI in the manufacturing industry.

[frank-olivier]

The Unseen Driver: Merck KGaA’s Behind-the-Scenes Impact on the Semiconductor World

Merck KGaA, a venerable company with a history spanning over 350 years, occupies a critical position in the semiconductor industry through its Electronics Business, led by CEO Kai Beckmann. With a background in Computer Science and Microelectronics, Beckmann's over 35 years of leadership within the company have equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. Merck KGaA's role in providing specialized materials and technologies for semiconductor manufacturing is foundational, supporting all top 100 semiconductor companies, including those with fabrication plants and fabless entities, as well as tool companies offering integrated solutions.

The company's contributions are not merely supplementary but constitute the building blocks of semiconductor architecture, including crucial layers on silicon substrates for insulation, conduction, and more. This multifaceted support underscores Merck KGaA's indispensable position in the industry. The current AI-driven surge in demand for sophisticated chips, particularly evident in data center applications and the training of large language models, has significantly boosted the company's growth trajectory. As AI's influence expands beyond data centers to edge devices, such as smartphones, in the form of Edge AI, the demand for Merck KGaA's advanced materials and technologies is expected to escalate further.

Navigating the semiconductor industry's complex dynamics, characterized by a historically cyclical nature now complicated by asynchronous technology cycles, requires foresight and adaptability. Merck KGaA is well-positioned to meet these challenges, leveraging its extensive experience and commitment to innovation. The integration of AI into material science, to accelerate the discovery of new materials, exemplifies the company's proactive approach. This strategic deployment of AI, both as a driver of demand and a tool for innovation, highlights Merck KGaA's pivotal role in shaping the industry's future.

As the industry evolves, with Edge AI poised to potentially redefine production and research paradigms, Merck KGaA's expertise will be crucial in addressing the heightened need for sophisticated materials. The company's ability to balance the stability afforded by its 70% family ownership with the agility of a publicly traded entity, listed on the German DAX index, further enhances its capacity to respond effectively to emerging trends. Through its innovative spirit, deep industry knowledge, and strategic adaptability, Merck KGaA is not only navigating the transformative impact of AI on the semiconductor industry but also playing a defining role in its future trajectory.

Kai Beckmann: Why Next-Gen Chips Are Critical for AI's Future (Eye on AI, December 2024)

Thursday, December 5, 2024

[govindhtech]

Lenovo 300e Gen 4 Perfect Chromebook for Students

Lenovo 300e Gen 4

With the 300e Gen 4, MediaTek and the Lenovo deliver smarter learning. Lenovo’s next-generation educational Chromebooks use MediaTek. Kompanio processors from MediaTek make these devices suitable for students and teachers.

Security, device management, and Kompanio-powered Chromebooks like the Lenovo 300e Gen 4 are included in the Lenovo MediaTek Chromebook Education school package.

Powerful, versatile digital tools enable in-class and out-of-class learning. Because gadgets work well, teachers can easily set up and supervise classes. This sets schools up for years of success.

Chromebooks with MediaTek Kompanio MediaTek Kompanio is the trustworthy and innovative do-anywhere companion chip that enhances Chromebook experiences for classroom or remote education, business demands, streaming entertainment, video conferencing, and creative.

Device manufactures can only produce excellent Chromebooks on MediaTek Kompanio platforms.. These powerful, all-in-one chips combine AI processors, HDR cameras, fast and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, and ultra-efficient performance for true, innovative mobile computer devices with an all-day battery life that can open, flip, fold, or separate.

What benefits Chromebooks from MediaTek? With a reputation of delivering innovative, always connected, and highly efficient Android smartphone and tablet platforms, MediaTek has developed a range of powerful Chromebook SoCs since 2016.

Chromebooks combine cloud and edge experiences for anywhere computing, including work, education, video conferencing, social, shopping, streaming entertainment, and more.

Top Features & Performance MediaTek Chromebook chips combine powerful and energy-efficient Arm octa-core CPUs and many-core the GPUs, MediaTek-designed AI processors, premium FullHD-to-4K displays, high-resolution cameras, and the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies to deliver amazing Chromebook experiences. Highly responsive apps, multitasking, and stable connectivity.

Enhanced Battery Life Our Chromebooks are battery-efficient and powerful. The highly integrated design, power-efficiency advancements, and top manufacturing practices ensure your Chromebook lasts as long as you need it.

Lenovo 300e Chromebook Gen 4 MediaTek Kompanio 520 ChromeOS ARM Mali-G52 2EE MC2 GPU LPDDR4x-3600, 8GB soldered Systemsboard 64GB eMMC 5.1 Lenovo Chromebook 300e gen 4 Lenovo’s 300e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4 (11.6″ model) is strong, simple to use, and equipped to grow alongside kids as they meet their learning objectives. With its lightweight, convertible design, efficient MediaTek Kompanio 500 Series CPUs, integrated graphics, and user-friendly ChromeOS platform, this device is designed to facilitate the development of relationships between teachers and students both within and outside of the classroom.

This cutting-edge educational tool is designed for the future of learning with features including a 360-degree Sync hinge, snappy touch panel, optional garaged USI 2.0 Stylus, extended battery life, and an optional 5MP world-facing camera. Whether studying in the classroom or at the kitchen table, students can benefit from quicker connectivity when conducting research for assignments, viewing lectures, and exchanging documents thanks to Wi-Fi 6.

Elevated-Performance Education By fusing the intuitive ChromeOS platform with the effective and stress-free mobile computing experience of the MediaTek Kompanio 500 Series Processor, the Lenovo 300e Gen 4 makes modern learning possible. The 11.6-inch HD IPS touch display’s 360-degree Sync hinge enables smooth switching between use modes for reading, writing, drawing, content creation, and presenting. Its tactile sensation piques the imagination.

A student-friendly encounter

The Lenovo 300e Gen 4 has an anti-scratch fabric-like cover texture, enhanced Waves Audio for brighter sound, a sharp HD camera, and an optional 5MP world-facing camera. It is designed to spark creativity from anywhere with Wi-Fi 6. The tough-as-nails display with Corning Gorilla Glass protects the display from the daily wear and tear of everywhere learning, while the innovative top-load keyboard offers easy serviceability.

HARDY TECHNOLOGY The Lenovo 300e Gen 4 is designed to withstand bumps and bruises from the hybrid learning environment because of the new DuraSpec testing standards. The keyboard can withstand unintentional spills up to 360 ml thanks to its anti-pry full-skirt keycaps. Additionally, this durable equipment is portable to any classroom during class hours thanks to its reinforced ports and hinges, A-cover force of 60 kg, rubber bumpers, and a drop test into concrete of 76 cm.

Lenovo 300e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4 Stylus

Teachers and kids are protected from cyberthreats by the Lenovo 300e Yoga Chromebook Gen 4’s integrated end-to-end security, which includes a webcam privacy shutter. Additionally, ChromeOS shields users with safe surfing, sandboxing, and the Titan C security chip from Google in addition to routine automatic security updates that run in the background, meaning you never have to stop learning.

Lenovo 300e Yoga Chromebook gen 4 Services

Lenovo provides a wide range of end-to-end services to safeguard and support your investment, allowing you to concentrate on your studies rather than IT.

Enrollment in ChromeOS Zero-Touch Provide staff with the appropriate devices while maintaining endpoint security, introducing new cloud-based applications, and overseeing overworked support desks. Lenovo and Google’s zero-touch enrollment enables auto-registration and remote deployment, with devices being shipped straight to users.

Protection Against Accidental Damage Reduce the amount of time students must miss from school and safeguard your equipment from harm not covered by the guarantee with limitless repairs in the case of inadvertent accidents. Lenovo Qualified parts and extensive diagnostic equipment are used by Lenovo-trained personnel to perform Accidental Damage Protection.

SERVICES FOR CO OFFSET Customers can offset the carbon emissions linked to their Lenovo products as an easy and transparent method to support the environment. Lenovo has computed the carbon footprint of its personal computers at every stage of their life from production and delivery to use and disposal. Lenovo’s carbon offset partner purchases carbon offset credits based on the device’s calculated emissions and contributes them to various United Nations climate action projects.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[usafphantom2]

AFMC innovation team revolutionizing stealth fighter fleet

Published June 7, 2023

By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --

An F-35 from the 461st Flight Test Squadron recently took flight here with a complement of software applications developed by government and industry providers previously tested on the F-22 – demonstrating for the first time the ability to use the same tactical software applications on both stealth fighters.

That success was immediately followed by another milestone when those applications were updated by software developers at Hill AFB in Utah and flown at Edwards less than 24 hours later.

These F-35 flights were the latest successes of an innovation project developed by a team of Edwards test pilots, software developers from the 309th Software Engineering Group and the Air Combat Command Federal Laboratory. This project has now accomplished three key advancements that team members call game-changers for the future of the stealth fighter fleet, and potentially all DOD aircraft. These innovations are the ability to use the same software across different military aircraft; the ability to source that software from a diverse set of suppliers including software industry leaders and government labs; and the ability to update that software in less than a day, 30-60 times faster than previously possible. Together these improvements are poised to deliver cutting-edge technology to the stealth fighter fleet at a fraction of the current time and cost, team members say.

Historically, military aircraft have relied solely on the aircraft manufacturer to perform software upgrades or modifications, with limited ability to integrate software from external vendors. Additionally, because of the integrated nature of stealth aircraft software, development and implementation of software changes have previously required a lengthy process, limiting front-line aircraft to annual software updates regardless of operational developments and requirements. Further, each aircraft required a unique development and testing process, driving up costs and delaying implementation.

To change this dynamic, the team partnered to develop and implement a government-owned and -controlled “app store” for these fighters. This was accomplished by combining government-owned software architecture with advanced processing onboard these aircraft and setting up a government software space for new tactical software. The team is now working to populate this space with the advanced capabilities these fighters need to maintain their dominance in the skies.

“The ability to use common software across the F-35 and F-22 is going to dramatically change how we bring capabilities to the front line,” said Lt. Col. Raven LeClair, project co-founder and F-35 test pilot. “Now instead of having to define, purchase, test and field a software capability on each aircraft individually, we can gain a lot of efficiencies by developing a capability once and fielding it on all 5th gen fighters, saving hundreds of millions of dollars, if not more, in development costs and saving years in development time.”

The team also highlighted the benefits brought by access to a larger pool of software providers. “There has been a lot of attention on how the military can harness the best contributions from government, industry and academia to maintain its edge, but there have historically been sizable barriers to entry into the defense market,” said Maj. Allen Black, project co-founder and F-22 test pilot. “This has been especially true with aircraft software since only the aircraft’s manufacturer could develop and integrate software onto the aircraft. They produce a fantastic product but being able to add to that baseline with capabilities created by software leaders in fields like AI/autonomy and cybersecurity will be transformative. This has the added benefit of increasing the number of companies and personnel working to modernize and enhance our combat aircraft fleet, resulting in higher throughput and faster progress modernizing our aircraft,” Black said.

While emphasizing the significant benefits of cross-platform compatibility and a more open market for software, the team is quick to point out that speed of delivery is perhaps the most vital. “The National Defense Strategy identifies the need to rapidly experiment and then streamline acquisitions to get capabilities out to the warfighter on strategically relevant timelines,” said Maj. Cameron Jones, F-22 test pilot and part of the founding team. “It is vital that we are able to rapidly develop and deliver capability, because the best software in the world won’t make a difference if it’s late to the fight.”

The team has taken up that mission and is working to establish that ability on existing weapon systems that weren’t originally built to accommodate the modern pace of software innovation. “This project allows us to load new software and update existing software separate from the safety of flight systems of the aircraft so we can make changes in a matter of hours instead of months. This capability means that developers will be able to make quick changes based off pilot feedback, dramatically shortening the time to get a fieldable product,” Jones said.

“This project helps to set the foundation required for agile combat employment,” said Marine Corps Maj. Kyle McLeod, the project’s lead F-35 test pilot. “We need to be able to rapidly adapt and update our weapon systems based on emerging intel or changing conditions while executing distributed operations. We demonstrated just that with this test. We flew a set of applications at Edwards, updated the simulated threat dataset in the software from the development location at Hill AFB and re-flew the software in less than 24 hours.”

One of the team’s top priorities has been to leverage this new technology to help secure these aircraft from cyberattacks. Omar Morales, F-35 lead software engineer at the 309th SWEG, said, “In addition to ensuring cyber best practices in the software development pipeline, we’re also using this new software environment to add cyber protection tools from leaders in industry. Our test included cybersecurity applications that we are evaluating that can monitor the aircraft and identify anomalous behavior. We are working to leverage these types of products to allow us to identify and then fix potential cyber issues quickly, even between sorties, while also defending the aircraft in real time.”

Team members say this project’s benefits go beyond the improved software capabilities it brings to the aircraft. The project is proving to be a source of inspiration and motivation for those who joined the test world to make a difference. Jarron Lembke, project team lead at the 309th said, “Working on this project has been incredibly fulfilling for our team, as our people genuinely believe they are making a difference for our nation.” Lembke said one of his lead engineers said this flight was one of the proudest moments of his career. The opportunity to collaborate on a new and groundbreaking project that contributes to national defense not only yields immediate capability benefits but is playing a pivotal role in attracting and retaining invaluable talent, Lembke said.

The idea for the project, dubbed Project FOX, was conceived over coffee at Edwards. What followed were months of research with system and software experts and subsequent partnerships that proved vital in shaping and executing the idea. With a plan in place and a team assembled, the group turned to execute but was faced with the stark reality of not having an established line of funding. “The military budgeting process can take upwards of two years so we were worried we might be stuck,” LeClair said. “Fortunately, we had fantastic support from the 412th Test Wing and the wing innovation cell. We briefed them on our idea and plan for execution and they were able to assist us with securing the initial funding, which was vital. Those funds allowed us to get the idea off the ground – literally.”

The idea was submitted to the Air Force’s annual Spark Tank competition, ultimately advancing to become a finalist where it was pitched to the senior leaders of the Air Force including the Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Raymond. The project is now part of the Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Innovation Portfolio and is continuing to revolutionize software development and fielding, including ongoing work on software to control unmanned wingmen, team members said.

[bulksmsbymsgclub]

Verified WhatsApp For Restaurants, Hotels & Cafe’s

WhatsApp Business, WhatsApp Business API, Verified WhatsApp

In the restaurant business, it’s all about convenience, speed, and quality. You have already won half the battle if you can find a customer support avenue that guarantees these three. This is the rationale behind the creation of a brand-new WhatsApp meal ordering and delivery system.

It’s a wise move for your F&B business to try to reach out on platforms that your customers already frequently use. It facilitates relationships and creates a channel that serves as both a marketing tool and a channel for customer assistance. One such tool that can assist you in achieving all these without significantly depleting your money is WhatsApp Business for restaurants.

On your Android or iPhone, you can download WhatsApp Business without charge. To reach your intended customers, just register a business account and fill it out with pertinent information (such as contact information, your company’s name, and logo, opening hours, etc.). This service can be very helpful to small Businesses.

The opportunity: How WhatsApp Business can revolutionize your restaurant operations through AI

An app like WhatsApp has limitless market potential. WhatsApp is used by more than two billion people worldwide. Within a year of its 2018 launch, WhatsApp Business had amassed more than five million subscribers. 

This is a very well-liked method of accessing services, scheduling appointments, ordering home delivery, and other things in the current market. Restaurants may make good use of these related traits. You can guarantee quicker customer service and more reach by allowing WhatsApp ordering at your restaurant.

You provide clients with a simple way to contact you with WhatsApp Business for restaurants so they can place orders, reserve tables, plan events, and contact you with any questions or issues. This can greatly benefit your local business and expand your customer base.

The issue WhatsApp Business can address

Due to rising competition, business owners of restaurants and home delivery services are seeking strategies to expand their customer base without spending a lot of money on advertising. Given that more users now prefer to order takeaway, this is now more crucial. 

Research by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association found that 24% of Gen-Z and 21% of millennials each order home delivery three to four times each week. The post-pandemic world is, to put it mildly, much more on-demand friendly.

Additionally, because they run on-demand or with a tiny staff, small businesses cannot afford to invest in advertising, billboards, or even outside food delivery services.

Such enterprises require a low-cost avenue to:

Promote their goods

Performing service deliveries

Actively interact with consumers

broadcasting offers and availability

The tools that WhatsApp for small businesses offers enable users to perform all these tasks and more. 

Conversational AI is the solution.

A platform that provides the following can help restaurant businesses with their reachability issue:

automated customer service and problem solving

Lead generation and conversion

interaction with customers using their preferred medium

CSAT (customer satisfaction) and NPS (net promoter score) improvement

Personalized and prompt customer service

Affordable and widely accessible service

Learn more about why: Why is Everyone Talking about WhatsApp Chatbots for Food Tech?

One of the most popular apps in the world is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is used by 96% of all smartphone users in India alone. For a sizable portion of people in nations like the US, UAE, etc., WhatsApp is the main platform for online communication. As a result, it is a fantastic marketing tool for restaurant owners.

If a customer can get food and drinks through WhatsApp, they are more likely to do so than if they had to call a business and deal with waiting times or network problems.

Restaurants’ WhatsApp Business use cases

In just a few seconds, WhatsApp Business links companies with potential clients. It moves customer service beyond making an online purchase and has effectively supplanted antiquated methods like calling in orders.

This is the best route a company can offer its clients for tailored responses, requests, and query resolutions.

We will trace a customer’s path through a restaurant company’ sales funnel using the use cases that follow. 

1. Generate, evaluate, and qualify leads quickly for smoother online-ordering 

Lead generation is the first stage in every sales funnel. In the online restaurant sector, conversion cycles are frequently brief and quick. As a result, it’s critical for restaurants to review and validate leads as soon as possible customers present themselves.

Once a client messages your company on WhatsApp, you can get their name and phone number. additional information, including location, preferences, and email ID. You can also direct customers to WhatsApp and increase your lead generation by including a “click to chat” link on your website or in your ads.

After the initial message, you can chat with the client via the WhatsApp API for 24 hours. After that, you’ll need the customer’s opt-in consent to continue talking to them. 

2. Quickly respond to inquiries during the ordering process or afterward

People who are hungry want answers now, please!

That is what an AI chatbot for WhatsApp can achieve! They could inquire about the location of your restaurant, the menu, the services, the return procedures, and the customization possibilities.

While assisting customers with placing food orders on WhatsApp, you can instantly respond to these questions.

3. Immediately acknowledge and validate placed orders

After addressing the FAQs, placing orders is the next step. The procedure for placing an order should be straightforward and comprise as few stages as feasible. This keeps the customer’s interaction light and enjoyable.

If this stage has too many obstacles, the customer can decide not to place an order from your restaurant.

Making an order also involves submitting requests for things like event and table reservations. There must be a customized response for each request.

4. Enable quick payment for orders from your users.

Recently, WhatsApp unveiled its payment tool, which your users can also use for companies. As an alternative, you can address any problems customers might be having paying for the order while simultaneously pointing them to additional payment alternatives over WhatsApp. For streamlined checkouts, you can link a variety of payment gateways with your chatbot.

Here’s how to seamlessly accept payments by integrating Platform with MsgClub.

5. Provide them with order tracking in real-time to ease their minds.

The importance of delivery updates in ensuring a good customer experience cannot be overstated. When the food is ready for delivery, providing an estimated time of arrival, and communicating the delivery person’s contact information are all necessary steps. You may also use a WhatsApp chatbot and the WhatsApp API to send automatic push alerts for the same.

6. Bad food? Inaccurate items? Refunds and returns that have been validated

Refunds and returns play a significant role in the restaurant business as well. The customer must have a platform to ask for returns or refunds if they decide they don’t like the food or run into other issues.

You may arrange returns, start refunds, and take additional actions to help a dissatisfied customer using WhatsApp Business.

7. Your user loved a dish or a restaurant? Let them place repeat orders

Your customers can order their preferred items from their preferred eateries. Giving your users discounts and vouchers is one way to thank them for their loyalty. This may encourage them to make more frequent orders from you.

By allowing users to gain discounts through a slot machine game each time they finish placing an order from one location, for instance, Swiggy recently made food ordering much more involved and exciting. Users are drawn back to their service to place more orders thanks to a sizable 30% discount on the following order.

8. “How did your order go?” Gather comments and ratings

The gathering of client feedback improves the customer experience. As soon as a sale is over, make sure to quickly gather feedback over WhatsApp so that your customers are more inclined to submit their most recent feedback. Your customers are more likely to reply to requests for feedback on WhatsApp than on SMS or emails because more people use chat apps.

9. How did the food delivery go? Encourage your users to recommend their friends

Having a satisfied stomach encourages positive word of mouth.

You can urge clients to tell their friends and family about your company. According to research, if a friend recommends a new restaurant, consumers are four times more likely to try it.

10. Discover what your users enjoy by gathering customer information.

The meal delivery option for WhatsApp Business makes long-term customer information collection simpler. This also holds true for clients who may have recently changed their phone number or other contact information.

Only from MsgClub, your all-in-one WhatsApp chatbot for your restaurant business

So it turns out there are a tonne of things a WhatsApp chatbot can do for your restaurant! A capable WhatsApp chatbot delivers a wide range of functions that can automate and expedite the majority of your customer communication, from accepting orders to making payments.

At MsgClub, we work hard to maintain a high standard when it comes to providing your clients with positive support experiences. We are an authorized WhatsApp Business Solution Provider, therefore we know exactly what it takes to launch your company on WhatsApp successfully. We’d like to provide you access to our free in-depth guide to WhatsApp customer support to give you a head start.